New BP Store!

Lightning Announce Helenius Signing

(Tampa Bay Lightning press release) The Tampa Bay Lightning have signed goaltender Riku Helenius to a two-year contract, Vice President and General Manager Steve Yzerman announced today. The first year of Heleniusâ€™ contract will be a two-way deal, while the second will be a one-way.

Helenius, 24, played in 33 games for JYP of Finlandâ€™s SM-liiga, compiling a 1.64 goals against average and .936 save percentage. The 6-foot-3, 211-pound goaltender appeared in 13 playoff games this past season, posting a 1.73 goals against average and a .947 save percentage, helping lead JYP to the league championship. The Palkane, Finland native was also given the Urpo Ylonen Award as the top goaltender during the regular season.

The Finnish netminder was originally selected by Tampa Bay in the first round, 15th overall, in the 2006 NHL Entry Draft. Helenius made his NHL debut with the Lightning on January 30, 2009 against the Philadelphia Flyers in a relief effort and stopped both shots he faced.